英語教育講義⑨

    The second half of this course introduces the CLT (Communicative Language Teaching). CLT sets as its goal the teaching of communicative competence. We can clarify this term by comparing it with the concept of grammar translation. People need to communicate in a second language. While the knowledge of grammar is an important dimension of language learning. A famous linguist Michael Halliday showed how grammar is used to express language functions. 

    Teachers and learners are the key roles in the classroom. Teachers always teach the pattern first, then offer some examples according to different circumstances or situations. Students will learn to use the target language as a means of expression. Furthermore, they will learn to express the functions that best meet their own communication needs. From my point of view, learners have to participate in classroom activities so that they will become comfortable with listening to their peers in group work rather than relying on the teacher. Plus, teachers have to assume the role of monitor rather than correcting speech and writing.